Human Drama - Cause And Effect
2002 / 62:20 Minutes / 13 Tracks / Studio / CD
Release Date: November 5, 2002 - Projekt
Produced by: Chris Lizotte
Engineered by: Chris Lizotte
Mastered by: Chris Gehringer/Sterling Sound
Website: www.humandrama.net

Reviewed by Matt Rowe on November 13, 2002

Human relationships are stars that burn brightly at the beginning but dim noticeably over time with expectations of solely populated spheres of attention that can never materialize due to the impossibility of sustained concentrated efforts. This draws the lifeblood from the union and diffuses what little remains into brittle glass that rips love into bleeding soulless shells.

That's the Human Drama. The search for love, the demand for fulfillment, and the curse of desperation create a play of failure and discontentment that pierces. Our love relationships are supposed to be encompassing, but they disperse. They are supposed to protect but they wound and kill. The depth of a pure bond is supposed to be bottomless yet it overflows with dissension.

Words and songs have always approached this enigmatic concept with great passion. And for good reason. It is an elusive force that leaves us baffled for its inherent ability to destroy. Human Drama's Johnny Indovina has the innate talent to poetically scrutinize the heart of wayward intent.

This album contains thirteen songs including a remake of Leonard Cohen's "Dance Me To The End Of Love", perhaps the most important song of all time on what we quest for. Human Drama reshapes it and delivers a darker version, one that isn't as sad as Cohen's but is more sure of the fallacy and impossibility of what it asks for.

The disc begins with the powerful and melodic "I Am Not Here", which painfully asks for removal. As well, Johnny Indovina reveals the very human desires of perfection, yet allowing us the view of its futility. We hear this in "Quiet Desperation", and in "Imitation Of...". It becomes more crystalized on "Lonely". Disgust isn't cast away as we realize that all this becomes quite ugly in "Goodnight Sweetheart". EmmyLou Harris' beautifully affecting "Bang The Drum Slowly" is unearthly as performed by Human Drama.

Musically, Human Drama explores every realm. Rockers, ballads, and themes that incorporate the use of mournful guitars, somber keyboards, and haunting guitar leads that are beautiful to hear. "Cynthia's Journal" is a musical champion with its expressive leads. Human Drama is an accomplished band.

Lyrically, Indovina knows few equals. In a world of instant gratification, Human Drama separate themselves from the surface of lust that many seek as a means to satisfy. Human Drama digs deeper, giving more import to the melancholy of broken love. The inspection of these are driven home by well worded revelations and sung effectively, hinting at disaffection as if from a deep well of sorrow.

"Cause And Effect", is an album of the after effects of love, delivered in melody, in thought, in poetic reality, and in variations of musical dispensing becoming a collection of the spiritual fallout felt by love's eventual injustice. Expertly communicated, "Cause And Effect" becomes the soliloquy of every searching person saddened by unfilfilled promise.

PRODUCTION & PACKAGING

The engineered clarity of the disc is top notch. Vocals are clear, the music complementary, and the album, enjoyable to listen to. The booklet is a six page, tri fold with lyrics on the inside, cover art painted by Ken Mattson with the cover designed by Sam Rosenthal. The rest of the booklet insert is complete with credits. This disc is available only by mail order. But the price is right and the worth exceeds the cost

THE FINAL SAY

Fans of Human Drama will flock to this release as it showcases a deeply dramatic and dazzling album full of introspection and carried along artistically by their superb instrumentation. If you have just sat idly by, you need to immerse yourself in the richness of Human Drama.

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